George Smith included in Wallabies squad to face British and Irish Lions in do-or-die final Test

Updated
Thu Jul 04 16:51:30 EST 2013

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George Smith returns to the Wallabies starting line-up for their final Test against the British and Irish Lions.

Matt King, Getty Images

George Smith will make a sensational return to Test rugby after being named to start for Australia in the decisive third Test against the British and Irish Lions.

Smith retired from international rugby in 2010 after making 110 appearances for Australia - including all three Tests against the 2001 British Lions - and will win his 111th cap against the tourists at Sydney's Olympic stadium.

"But it has been a tough series - the first two games have been rugged, especially at the breakdown, and we feel that the combination of experience and fresh legs that George brings is the right way to go for this week.

"His expertise in the contact zone, where timing, judgment and physicality is everything, is going to be critical.

"Being able to call on George allows us to lighten the load on Michael while retaining the ability to inject him into what is sure to be a fast-paced and highly physical contest."

Battle upfront

Loose forward Ben McCalman is named on the bench as cover for blindside flanker and number eight in the only other addition to the squad.

Coach Robbie Deans has gambled on a 6-2 split in favour of the forwards on the bench with only back-up half-back Nick Phipps and uncapped full-back Jesse Mogg to cover the backline.

Even with three backs on the bench in the 23-21 first test defeat in Brisbane, the Wallabies were left shorthanded after three backs went off injured with Hooper ending up playing in the centres.

Once one of the best openside flankers in the world, Smith stormed back into contention for this year's Lions tour on the back of some brilliant performances for the Brumbies.

He looked like being ruled out by a knee injury on the eve of the initial squad announcement but a remarkably quick recovery saw him called into the squad after the first Test defeat.

"He's class, isn't he?" Deans added.

"To have achieved what George has throughout his career, and return to play at the highest level, after such a long break, is a testament to the quality of the man, both as a person, and as a player."